The game is on: Part III

The next day began on a positive note. In the main hall, the students were informed that parental visits, followed by the final practical exam, would take place at the end of the month. They were then asked to go to their respective classes. Reagan walked into her class and sat quietly in her usual seat at the back near a window. The sun felt good on her skin. She smiled, feeling happy at the thought of seeing her grandparents. She had no doubt they would come. Suddenly a familiar smell caught her nose. It was Yennifer, looking as sharp as ever. She carries herself with a natural grace and a sense of invulnerability. What a woman! As our eyes locked, she looked almost sad, but she wiped that look from her face and smiled at me politely. Then she sat down on Torry's desk, crossed her legs and smiled at her admirers, who gazed at her as if she were a celestial being. Torry looked at me and winked as if to say, "Thanks for the mess, she is mine now."

Reagan frowned and looked away, thinking to herself, "Yennifer gave me a... polite... smile? She is usually the one disrobing me with her eyes!!! Why am I even complaining!!! ...Th..this is a positive change. But why...am...I so irritated!!!"

At the same time, on the other side, Annabella was making her way to her class, accompanied by Arthur, who was very proud to show off his future bride. She kissed him on the cheek and walked into her class, where they all ogled her lecherously. They all looked away when they saw Harry standing behind her. She smiled and whispered, knowing exactly who was behind her, "Harry...I have no idea what you are doing to them but...carry on Harrybear". Harry chuckled, leaned in to take in her sweet scent and said: "If they hear you call me by that name...I will lose all credibility."

She sat down in her usual place. Harry sat behind her as usual. From there the creep could check her out without her noticing.

Annabella's friends rushed to her side and began to gossip. It was something she rarely indulged in, but the mention of Reagan and Yennifer in the same sentence caught her attention. She then inquired, trying to maintain a dignified tone, "What did you say, Juliette?"

Juliette said in surprise, "ooo Sorry...we know you don't like gossip."

Annabella smiled politely and said, "It's not a problem. You mentioned Yennifer and what was her name?"

Juliette said excitedly, "Reagan... You mean."

Annabella nodded. It was customary for the heirs of powerful families to keep track of each other. So her sudden interest did not arouse suspicion.

Juliette then said, "I heard from a friend that Yennifer left a party earlier than usual and disappeared for an hour. She came back to the party through a portal summoned from Reagan's room".

Annabella did her best to keep her composure. She couldn't allow others to see her fear and anger. Then she said coolly, "Are you sure this is accurate?"

Juliette replied matter-of-factly, "Henry was there. He is the best tracker of our generation."

Annabella said nonchalantly as she resumed reading her book, "This is such a Yennifer-like routine. Death mages can only be servants of doom. I pity the poor souls who get caught up in the mess."

The bell rang, ending the first period and starting the break. Reagan left without looking in Yennifer's direction. For some reason, it hurt her that she had gotten over her so quickly. Reagan joined her friends in their usual spot and started to make merry. Killian discreetly slipped a note into Reagan's hand and said, "A word from your lady, boss. Reagan frowned in confusion. Then she read the note: "Dear Reagan...I have come to a decision and would like to share it with you face to face. Meet me where light and darkness embrace with a sigh. ADLX"

Reagan looked at Killian who nodded to confirm that it was Annabella herself who had given him the note. Reagan knew exactly what she had meant. The hanging gardens were her hunch. "With a sigh," she meant after the afternoon lessons. The rest of the day passed. Reagan was lost in her thoughts most of the time. She felt suspended in time. Issey had to be the bigger person and cover for her stupid mistakes. The lesson finally ended. Reagan immediately made her way to the hanging gardens. At its centre, where light and darkness seemed to embrace in a stillness. Annabella was standing there with a cold look on her face.

Reagan approached her with a smile and said, "Why that long face! You look like you met the devil."

Annabella looked at Reagan and said emotionlessly, "Well... I have indeed been deceived by a devil."

Reagan didn't understand what she was saying. She tried to hold Annabella's hand and inquire, but she moved her hand away.

Reagan exhaled and said, "Back to square one! So typical."

Annabella replied in an angry tone, "The audacity...death mage...it is your total lack of conscience that really kills me. How did I get involved with a being like you? I guess I just naively wanted to believe your lies. After all, you are just like the others.

Reagan looked suffocated. She did not understand what was happening. Yesterday they were all in love. This makes no sense. Maybe ... Harry? No, he wouldn't have done it.

Reagan asked, "What the hell have I done? You are here as my judge and jury without giving me a chance to plead my case. A case I know nothing about!"

Annabella smiled disappointed and hurt as she said, "Why did you even pursue me? Did you even love me? or was it all for show? Did you want to humiliate me? If that is the case, my dear, you have hurt me more than you will ever know.

Reagan held Annabella's wrists and said pleadingly, "I have no idea what you are talking about. Just tell me!!! Please!!! I just need to know what you think I did!"

Annabella looked into her eyes, tears streaming down her cheeks, and said weakly, "Yennifer was seen leaving your room yesterday. I am sure you did more than drink tea and exchange pleasantries... I should have seen through your machinations sooner. In reality, you wanted her. I was just the bait you used to get into her orbit."

Reagan opened his eyes wide and said impatiently, "Yes, she was in my room. She was drunk and she came by. She tried to have her way with me, but I said no. I told her I wanted you."

Annabella removed her wrists and said sarcastically as she wiped away her tears:'' You are clearly not worth shedding tears for. What a lesser being! You have the courage to lie even after I have uncovered your dirty secret.

Reagan replied pleadingly, "I swear to you. It is the truth. I can get Yennifer here. She will confirm it.

Annabella lost her patience as she replied, "Even better! Ask your lover to cover for you! She still has some dignity. I doubt she will indulge you. Lies are for peasants... your kind."

Those words cut deep. Reagan never thought she would hear them from her mouth. She then replied, "This peasant...is a damn fool. I was naive indeed to think I had a chance with you. I had lost this battle before it even began."

Reagan chuckled sadly and took a flower from her pocket. It is called Forget Me Not. These flowers have the ability to detect lies. They act as a poison, releasing toxins whenever a person lies. The person being questioned would feel excruciating pain if they told the truth, and immediate death if they lied even once. This flower was the ultimate test for the righteous. She then said, "Here is the "truth" you are looking for. It won't be as effective as the illumination, but it will do."

Annabella frowned and shook her head, "Are you so desperate to die or are you so lost in your lies that you would rather die than face the truth?"

Before she could say anything else, Reagan ate the flower and said, "What does it matter to you if I live or die? You do it or I will do it without you. It may kill me quicker, but I will die with a clear conscience".

Annabella was against the wall. She had to cooperate. She began to recite the spell that activated the flower. Regan growled as the venomous flower spread through her skin as the chant ended. Reagan then said, "You have three questions. Ask them quickly! The longer it remains in my system, the greater the risk of permanent damage."

Annabella looked at Reagan with great empathy and asked, "Who do you have feelings for?

Reagan answered, panting heavily, "I like Yennifer, but I love only you. If I had to choose, I would choose you without hesitation. Your life is more precious to me than mine."

Annabella frowned and looked away, feeling her guilt building up, and asked again, "Why was Yennifer in your room yesterday?"

Reagan dropped to her knees and replied grunting in pain: "She wanted to have sex with me. It is true that I kissed her. But I got hold of myself and stopped everything. I confessed my love for you and she left disappointed.

Annabella wiped her eyes and said apologetically to Reagan, "Is there anything I can do to make up for what I did to you today?"

Reagan fainted as she replied, "No, there is nothing."

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